News / Defense / Pakistan

Extra-regional forces not needed to maintain navigation security: Iranian admiral

Sunday, 14 February 2021 3:00 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 14 February 2021 6:37 PM ]

In this photo released by Pakistan Navy, military officials from different countries salute during a flag hoisting ceremony for multinational military exercise "Aman or Peace," in Karachi, Pakistan, Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. (Pakistan Navy via AP)

There is no need for the presence of extra-regional forces to maintain navigation security in free waters as regional countries are capable enough to do so, says an Iranian admiral.

Flotilla Admiral Aria Shafaqat Roudsari, the head of an Iranian delegation to Aman-2021 multinational naval exercise hosted by Pakistan, made the remarks in an interview with IRNA on Sunday.

“Extra-regional forces have never been needed to ensure security in any region,” Shafaqat Roudsari said, adding, “Fortunately, regional countries, including the Indian Ocean countries, enjoy the necessary capabilities and can achieve collective security with the help of each other.”

The seventh edition of Aman-2021 officially opened in Pakistan on Friday in a ceremony participated by 45 countries, including regional powers Iran and Turkey as well as the United States, Russia and China.

The Iranian delegation is comprised of the naval forces of the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

The exercise is held under the motto “Together for Peace” on February 11-16 in the port of Karachi.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Shafaqat Roudsari said Iran believes that regional countries can be present in free waters in addition to their own territorial waters and play a collective role in maintaining sustainable security.

Iran, Pakistan urge enhanced maritime cooperation, security, joint maneuvers

The Pakistani Navy says the week-long exercise is aimed at displaying united resolve against terrorism and crimes in maritime domain.

“The cooperation of countries of the Indian Ocean and its western region contributes significantly to a dynamic and prosperous economy under the establishment of collective security,” the admiral said.

He also expressed hope that regional cooperation for peace could pave the way for the establishment of maritime security, under which a major part of the world trade is conducted.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Shafaqat Roudsari said the Iran-Pakistan naval cooperation in a region where maritime security is threatened matters significantly.

“Therefore, valuable measures by regional countries such as holding joint exercises, including Aman-2021, can be effective in establishing security,” he added.

On Friday, Shafaqat Roudsari and Iran’s attaché to Islamabad Colonel Mostafa Qanbarpour held talks with Pakistan Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Naveed Ashraf in Karachi.

During the meeting, the two sides called for the promotion of cooperation on maritime security and interaction between Iran and Pakistan’s naval forces, and highlighted the importance of maritime cooperation via holding joint drills.

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